Border tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated, marked by an alarming increase in drone activity, including armed incursions along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC). The Indian Ministry of Defence has confirmed sightings of drones in at least 26 locations, stretching from Baramulla in the north to Bhuj in the south, characterizing this as one of the most significant aerial threats encountered in recent history.
Prominent hotspots include Srinagar, Avantipora, Nagrota, Jammu, Ferozpur, Pathankot, Fazilka, Lalgarh Jatta, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Kuarbet, and Lakhi Nala. A particularly concerning incident occurred in Ferozpur, Punjab, where an armed drone targeted a civilian neighborhood, resulting in injuries to several family members. Local authorities reacted promptly, administering medical care to the victims and deploying bomb disposal squads to ensure community safety.
This surge in drone activity follows previous reports of drone and missile attacks allegedly launched by Pakistan on May 8, aimed at Indian military targets. According to Indian defense sources, over 300 drones were deployed by Pakistan on May 7 and 8 alone, leading to emergency blackouts as precautionary measures in regions such as Akhnoor and Ambala.
Drones have been observed at 26 locations along the International Border and the LoC, with some of these suspected to be armed. The Ministry of Defence shared detailed whereabouts, emphasizing a notable risk involved in each incident. In response to this alarming escalation, the Indian Armed Forces have heightened their alert levels, deploying advanced counter-drone systems and improving surveillance operations along the border. A defense official emphasized the significance of civilian safety, stating, “We are taking all necessary measures to intercept threats and respond with appropriate force.”
Authorities have advised residents in border areas to stay indoors and limit their movements, while underscoring the importance of adhering to safety advisories. Although officials have assured that there is no immediate cause for alarm, they stress the necessity of vigilance among the populace.
This recent wave of tension underscores a growing trend in contemporary warfare, wherein unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly employed to bypass conventional security measures. A report from the Carnegie Endowment highlights that drone incursions along the India-Pakistan border surged from 77 in 2020 to a staggering 311 in 2022, with numbers likely surpassing that in 2025.
The Indian government has strongly condemned the targeting of civilians, labeling it a perilous shift in Pakistan’s military strategy. The Ministry of Defence has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the protection of its citizens against emerging threats.
As hostilities continue to simmer, both nations are on high alert, with the potential for future escalations in this volatile border region looming ominously on the horizon.
